Vysya's Delicious Recipes: TAMIL PONGAL FESTIVAL RECIPES - SANKRANTHI RECIPES

.Makar Sankranti or Pongal is one of the most important festivals of the Hindu calendar and celebrates the sun's journey into the northern hemisphere, a period which is considered to be highly auspicious.It is celebrated as harvest festival in south India. It is a big event for the Tamilians and the people of Andhra Pradesh. In Andra Pradesh it is called 'Pedda Panduga' meaning big festival. The whole event lasts for four days, the first day Bhogi, the second day Sankranti, the third day Kanuma and the fourth day, Mukkanuma.

Bhogi - Bogi festival or Bhogi is the first day of Pongal and is celebrated in honor of Lord Indra, "the God of Clouds and Rains". Lord Indra is worshiped for the abundance of harvest, thereby bringing plenty and prosperity to the land. House are cleaned and decorated with muggulu,painted with rice flour.The people assemble at dawn to light a bonfire to discard old used possessions.In the early morning, people light a sacred bonfire called Bhogi Mantalu. Children dance around bhogi mantalu, singing songs in praise of the gods and the South Indian harvest festival.

Sankranthi or Pongal - Sankranthi is dedicate to sun God, the savior of this world with His golden rays. On this Day Newly harvested rice with Milk is made as Pongal and devoted to God.

Kanuma or Mattu Pongal- Kanuma is dedicated to cattle as cowherds and shep herds, paying thanks to cows and bull.

Mukkanuma or kanum Pongal - Mukkanuma people travel to see other family members.people go for sight seeing,shopping,exchanging pleasantries with relatives and friends.

I have compiled and listed some of the recipes from my blog for Pongal & Sankranthi festival